smalltown presents An Evening with Derrick May hosted by Dave Pham featuring an exclusive in depth Q&A session followed by an extended performance..

Tickets on sale via wearenovel.com.au..

Following the first performance at smalltown on Anzac Eve Tuesday 24th April, Novel announces a second show for Godfather of techno and electronic music pioneer DERRICK MAY on Friday May 4th at Brown Alley.

This is no ordinary show. Not only does it feature an EXTRAordinary DJ, but it offers an enlightening element. Hosted by Melbourne’s own techno wizard, DAVE PHAM, music industry and fans are invited to participate in a 1 hour special Q & A session featuring the guest of honour, DERRICK MAY.

Recognized as one of the “founders of the techno movement”, dance veteran MAY is no stranger to the spotlight, and has famously been given the honour to lecture at the esteemed Red Bull Music Academy in the past (http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/people/derrick-may). Such an appearance cements his position as one of the forerunners of dance music and underscores the significance of this event slated to hit Melbourne next month.

The event proceedings will include a phenomenal performance by MAY immediately following the Q & A. As only true legends of musical folklore would command, MAY’s showcase is confirmed to be an extended DJ set. New and old fans will be glued to the floor for hours, getting their wiggle on with hands in the air, right through the night as they witness in awe the master at the helm.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience DERRICK MAY as he imparts his wealth of knowledge and passion of techno, and to witness the legend put his words into action with his extended DJ set that will create one of the most memorable nights in Melbourne on record

I don't go to be in the VIP area.. I don't need big breaks, a big song with a buildup and lights and smoke.. all you need is a kickdrum and a good bassline. You don't need any of that other shit. Na, I'm not going for none of those reasons.. I'm just going for the music.

Derrick was out of control last Tuesday night, really can't wait to see what he pulls out of his crate for the show this Friday.

Been working hard at developing some questions for the great man. I think I've got some good ones, for those thinking of attending I will utilize the last 15-20mins of the Q&A and divert to our audience to give all an opportunity to ask Derrick any questions.

Also hit me up on PM if you would like a question put forward but won't be able to attend the Q&A.

This is a rare opportunity to get to know the man who's music and vision influenced and moved so many.

Interviews with May tend toward repetitive rants about Detroit, potshots at the pseudo underground and the chip on shoulder/frustration at what he feels is a lack of recognition (I don't know if it is caused by May or interviewer).

May is a wealth of music knowledge and this is where I'd try to steer the Q&A session. I'd try not to mention to "D-word" at all.

I'd love to hear him talk about the things he loves rather than the things that piss him off. This is the untold story.
Afterall, he has been DJing for about the length of our lives and doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

I also wonder what, if anything excites him, what is left for him to discover and who/what he respects in contemporary "techno".

Derrick was out of control last Tuesday night, really can't wait to see what he pulls out of his crate for the show this Friday.

Been working hard at developing some questions for the great man. I think I've got some good ones, for those thinking of attending I will utilize the last 15-20mins of the Q&A and divert to our audience to give all an opportunity to ask Derrick any questions.

Also hit me up on PM if you would like a question put forward but won't be able to attend the Q&A.

This is a rare opportunity to get to know the man who's music and vision influenced and moved so many.

Beyond excited and rather nervous...

this is going to be off the planet for sure.....

How long is he playing for?

It says on my ticket that it starts at 9pm is this so?

Dave can you please ask him where in the world he loves playing the most? where is it at?

And if he is going to tour here with Kevin Saunderson...saw them at Awakenings Festival 2011 it was unreal with turntables, synth and drum machines....

Look forward to see Q&A since i missed his Redbull Music Academy Session at Metamorphosis in Japan a few years ago. I so regret i didnt go for that session while i was at the festival. I was too busy thinking about X102 live.

Also, is Derrick playing in upstairs or downstairs?......hope its upstairs though.....

I just came back from B.A for a short break (i live in city) but for god sake, the sound at B.A is really bad. My ears really hurts. New Guernica was much better. Honestly, why is it so rocket science to install Function 1? All we need is just one venue with Function 1 and eventually people will come for the venue because of the quality of the sound.

I just came back from B.A for a short break (i live in city) but for god sake, the sound at B.A is really bad. My ears really hurts. New Guernica was much better. Honestly, why is it so rocket science to install Function 1? All we need is just one venue with Function 1 and eventually people will come for the venue because of the quality of the sound.

Funktion 1 is da bomb.....

agreed very washy not punchy......i was pissed of he started so late....was it 1 a.m.? I know its not "that" late but it was advertised he would start straight after interview......I left at 3.45 just too tired and cold....Im getting old...hehehehhe

what time did he finish? great set though and it was awesome to hear Dave Pham again before Derrick...

Have too say the interview with mr may was really good and insightful.....Top bloke and a great sense of humour....

Reasons I hate BA #346,#347.
#346. Once again, the sound in that upstairs room was rubbish when May took to the decks. Same thing happened in same room with Theo Parrish at D25 party. In the words of Ian Brown; amateurs. This is just not good enough for a venue that hosts artists of this calibre.
#347 “One Stella and one vodka Red Bull thanks mate.” “Yeah That will be...$26.50....” WTF?
Lucky my mate didn’t want Grey Goose..

He started at around 1 I think and finished at about 3:45. About 10 minutes into his set Derrick turned the music right down and got everyone to be quiet so he could say "I'm doing the best I can with the sound system I've got. I'm sorry". I can see why there was no extra sound brought in though because there wouldn't have been nearly enough ticket sales to cover it.

^ is that BA's fault or the promoters running the night, reason i ask is sometimes i go there , the sound is good(sunny parties) but most times its rubbish and what an embarassment to have may turn the sound down to say that.

As far as I can tell the standard sound in that room is shit and whenever it's good, it's because the promoter has brought in extra sound. I think it just wasn't feasible with the amount of tickets sold which is unfortunate.

^ is that BA's fault or the promoters running the night, reason i ask is sometimes i go there , the sound is good(sunny parties) but most times its rubbish and what an embarassment to have may turn the sound down to say that.

Tommy Four Seven sound rig was the best i ever heard at BA. Most other times I've been for the big names - Surgeon, Carl Craig, etc... it has been dismal. This is the promoters choice to bring in a good system, or not.

agreed very washy not punchy......i was pissed of he started so late....was it 1 a.m.? I know its not "that" late but it was advertised he would start straight after interview......I left at 3.45 just too tired and cold....Im getting old...hehehehhe

great set though and it was awesome to hear Dave Pham again before Derrick...

Have too say the interview with mr may was really good and insightful.....Top bloke and a great sense of humour....

Unless something has changed dramatically in the past 6 months you cannot say that there is a problem with BA as a venue for sound because it varies so much.

I remember that the sound for Octave One / Fred P, PDP and Move D late last year was excellent. Last Saturday it obviously sucked.

The sound dowstairs has been excellent as often as it hasn't been

In fairness, if last minute side shows are not going to pull serious numbers it is probably a big ask to have the promoter bring in extra speaker stacks and the like to improve sound levels. It seems like what Melbourne would really benefit from is different venues (to keep the pressure on the others).

I have to say I felt like such a tight arse when I openly scoffed at being asked to pay $17 for a vodka and redbull.